Sex trafficking is a form of human trafficking in which a person is exploited for commercial sex through force, fraud, coercion, manipulation, or abuse of power.
Sex trafficking can occur in any community and affects people of all ages, genders, races, sexual orientations, socioeconomic backgrounds, and nationalities. Traffickers often use manipulation, deception, coercion, threats, violence, financial dependence, or exploitative romantic relationships to recruit and control victims.
Individuals under the age of 18 involved in commercial sex are considered victims of sex trafficking regardless of whether force, fraud, or coercion is present.
Sex trafficking is intricately connected to other forms of violence and abuse, including domestic violence, sexual violence, and economic abuse. Individuals experiencing abuse may face increased vulnerability to exploitation, while traffickers often use many of the same tactics of power and control. Because these forms of victimization frequently overlap, HAWC addresses trafficking through a comprehensive, trauma-informed approach that includes outreach, education, shelter services, counseling, advocacy, and legal support.
Why can’t victims of trafficking just walk away?
Many victims are controlled through fear, manipulation, coercion, threats, violence, or dependence on the trafficker. These tactics can create significant barriers to leaving and seeking help.
They Found a Safe Haven
Patricia’s teenage daughter was a victim of sex trafficking in Chicago. When her trafficker threatened her with violence for refusing to continue to work for him, she escaped. Days later, Patricia and her daughter arrived in HAWC’s emergency housing, overwhelmed by fear, uncertainty, and the effects of trauma.
Once they were safe, both received immediate support and were connected to mental health services. Patricia’s daughter also began working with HAWC’s in-house psychotherapist, receiving individualized counseling and trauma-informed care tailored to her needs.
In the weeks that followed, Patricia and her daughter began rebuilding their sense of safety and stability. With support, resources, and compassionate care, they took important steps on their journey from surviving trafficking to healing and reclaiming their future.
What is Grooming?
Grooming is a deliberate process used by traffickers to build trust, create dependency, and gain control over a person for the purpose of exploitation.
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- Traffickers often target individuals who may be experiencing unmet needs, challenges, or vulnerabilities.
- They may initially appear caring, supportive, attentive, or trustworthy to build a relationship and learn more about the person’s circumstances and vulnerabilities.
- As trust develops, traffickers may provide attention, affection, gifts, money, emotional support, or promises of love, security, employment, or a better future.
- Over time, traffickers work to increase their influence and control, often isolating the person from friends, family, and other sources of support.
- Once control is established, traffickers may use manipulation, intimidation, threats, violence, financial dependence, fraud, force, or coercion to maintain the exploitation and make it difficult to leave.
Important: Grooming can happen to people of any age, gender, race, or background. The tactics used by traffickers are intentional and calculated, and responsibility for the exploitation always lies with the trafficker.
Frequently Asked Questions
The U.S. Department of State Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons and other subject matter experts identify the following as potential red flags:
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- Living with an employer, trafficker, or another person who closely monitors their activities
- Living in unsafe, overcrowded, or poor conditions
- Multiple people living in a small space with limited privacy
- Being unable to speak freely or be interviewed alone
- Having another person answer questions on their behalf
- Responses that appear scripted, rehearsed, or controlled
- Not having access to personal identification, passports, or other important documents because someone else is holding them
- Appearing fearful, anxious, submissive, depressed, or unusually nervous around certain individuals
- Showing signs of physical abuse, neglect, malnourishment, sleep deprivation, or untreated medical conditions
- Having few personal possessions and little control over money or finances
- Being unpaid, paid very little, or having earnings controlled by someone else
- Being closely monitored, frequently checked on, or restricted in their communication with family and friends
- Sudden changes in behavior, appearance, school attendance, work attendance, or social relationships
- Receiving expensive gifts, hotel keys, multiple cell phones, or items that seem inconsistent with their financial situation
- Expressing fear about leaving a relationship, job, or living situation
- Being pressured, manipulated, threatened, or coerced in public spaces
- Being under the age of 18 and involved in commercial sex or the exchange of sexual activity for money, shelter, food, transportation, gifts, protection, or anything of value
If you notice signs that someone may be experiencing sex trafficking, it is important to prioritize their safety. Before taking any action, consider whether the trafficker or another controlling person may be monitoring the individual. Direct intervention or confrontation could unintentionally place the person at greater risk.
If it is safe and appropriate to speak with the individual privately, approach them with compassion and without judgment. Avoid making assumptions or demanding answers. Instead, focus on creating a safe opportunity for them to share information if they choose to do so.
The U.S. Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons suggests asking questions such as:
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- Can you leave your job or situation if you want to?
- Can you come and go as you please?
- Have you been hurt or threatened if you tried to leave?
- Has your family been threatened?
- Do you live with your employer or the person who controls your work?
- Where do you sleep and eat?
- Are you in debt to your employer or another person?
- Do you have access to your passport, identification, or other important documents? If not, who has them?
How to Respond
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- Listen without judgment and believe what the person tells you.
- Avoid questions that could sound blaming or critical.
- Respect their choices and confidentiality.
- Do not confront a suspected trafficker.
- Do not attempt to rescue the person on your own.
- Offer information about available resources and support services.
- If the person is in immediate danger, call 911.
→ Identify and Assist a Trafficking Victim – United States Department of State
If You Are Experiencing Sex Trafficking or Seeking Safety and Support
If you are experiencing trafficking, it is important to know that you are not alone and that help is available. Leaving a trafficking situation can be complicated and, in some cases, may increase the risk of harm. Every situation is different, and there is no single “right” way to seek safety.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
If it is safe for you to do so, consider reaching out to a trusted person, advocate, or service provider for support. You do not have to have all the answers or be ready to leave before asking for help.
At HAWC, we understand the complex challenges that can make it difficult to leave an abusive or exploitative situation. Our advocates can help you discuss your options, identify resources, and develop a plan that prioritizes your safety and well-being. Services are free, confidential, and available regardless of where you are in the process.
If you have left a trafficking situation, or are thinking about leaving, we encourage you to contact our Hotline or connect with us through LiveChat. We are here to listen, provide support, and help you explore your options at your own pace.
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- Sexual Assault Hotline: (713) 528-RAPE (7273)
- Domestic Violence Hotline: (713) 528-2121
- TTY: (346) 295-8994